Riverside County Parks To Visit Now

Riverside County in California is an outdoor playground through and through. With mountains, valleys, rivers, beaches, and unmatched natural diversity, this Southern California destination is a gold mine of adventures waiting to happen. For outdoorsy types, the various parks scattered throughout Riverside County are like having mini Disneylands minutes away from your home. 

Giving you a chance to admire out-of-this-world scenery, snap pics of ethereal landscapes, and hike through the beguiling wilderness, the best parks in Riverside, CA are bucket list-worthy destinations to check out. Is the abundance of things to do in Riverside overwhelming you? Here are some personal favorites to start you off.

1. Mount Rubidoux Park  

Address: 4706 Mount Rubidoux Drive, Riverside

Mount Rubidoux Park is one of my favorite parks in Riverside, CA. A perfect choice for when you simply want to be outdoors, get a good and safe workout, and breathe fresh air, this Riverside County park is a lovely place to be. 

Looking for your next favorite daily Riverside hiking trail? The 3.2-mile Mount Rubidoux Trail might just be it! Paved to be kid, stroller, and wheelchair-friendly, this easy loop trail will spoil you with scenic views on every turn. Everyone can enjoy this trail and experience nature—and yes, even your four-legged friend. Complete this Riverside hiking trail to see prominent historic markers and memorials at the summit. While you’ll come across many bridges, towers, and interesting sights, the most noteworthy one will likely be the cross at the summit dedicated to Father Junipero Serra on April 26, 1907.                                                         

2. Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park

Address: 9699 Box Spring Mountain Road, Moreno Valley      

Box Springs Mountain Reserve is located on 1,100 beautifully sloping acres of land that overlook the cities of Riverside and Moreno Valley. Whether you’re interested in hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding, this park in Riverside County, CA has options within its 15 miles of trails that’ll definitely meet and exceed your expectations.

Not sure which trail to start with? The 4.6-mile Box Springs Mountain Loop is a solid option in this Riverside County park. Moderately rated and packing in the views, this awesome trail provides breathtaking vistas, shaded picnic tables, and plenty of interesting flora and fauna to discover. 

Fun fact: Box Spring Mountain is also the highest peak in the Box Spring Mountain Range—pack a jacket!     

3. Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park

Address: 400 Central Avenue, Riverside

Whether you’re in the mood to hike, bike, or just stroll, the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park’s trail system is a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful natural environment in the City of Riverside. Park visitors are welcome to choose between four amazing trails at this Riverside County park, all of which are rated either easy or moderate.

For a quick trek amidst beautiful wildflowers, choose the pleasant Sycamore Canyon Park Trail. Looking for a lengthier journey? The seven-mile Sycamore Canyon Extended Trail invites you to explore as you pass along arroyos, desert plants, and animal life. 

4. Temecula Duck Pond and Park

Address: 28250 Ynez Road, Temecula

The beautiful town of Temecula has scenic pockets of nature scattered all around. As tough of a choice as it may be to pick one out of the bunch, my personal favorite would have to be the Temecula Duck Pond and Park. A pretty and compact spot that’s great for a day out with the kids, this Riverside County park invites visitors to feed the ducks, see the turtles, and spend a day in the sun. 

While the Temecula Duck Pond and Park is perfect for a picnic and other family-friendly adventures, it also features a touching tribute to the fallen soldiers of the nation. Stop by the war veterans’ memorial and see the letters they penned to their loved ones engraved in stone—it’ll hit you right in the feels so have a tissue in hand.

5. Bogart Regional Park

Address: 9600 International Park Road, Cherry Valley

Bogart Regional Park offers more than 400 acres of forested meadows which host campers, bikers, hikers, and horseback riders year-round. If you find yourself looking for road trip ideas in California, take a day trip to Cherry Valley and make sure to add this Riverside County park to your itinerary.

Only have time to trek one Riverside hiking trail while you’re here? The Bogart Park Trail should be your top choice. This 5.2-mile moderately rated loop trail features beautiful wildflowers and is often trekked by people walking their dogs on leash. This park in Riverside, CA is also great for hiking, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding, and a slew of other outdoor adventures—we recommend spending a full day here. 

6. Oak Glen Preserve

Address: 39611 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa

Plenty of pretty flowers, plants, bugs, and other little creatures call the Oak Glen Preserve home. Featuring several short trails, a beautiful shaded picnic area, and great views of the mountains and the valley at various points, this Riverside County park is a favorite spot among locals spending a day outside.

The Preserve is also home to the Montane Botanic Garden and the Children’s Outdoor Discovery Center, both of which are awesome attractions you shouldn’t miss checking out, especially if you’re road tripping with kids.

7. Idyllwild Park 

Address: 54000 Riverside County Playground Road, Idyllwild-Pine Cove

Idyllwild is a pine-sweet mountain town sitting at over 5,000-feet in elevation in the San Jacinto Mountains. Although every corner of this beautiful Riverside County town feels and looks like a park, a few locales stand out for being extra pleasing to the eye, and Idyllwild Park is one of them.

Guests of this Riverside County park may hike any of its five trails and they’ll be met with breathtaking sceneries and panoramic views. The park also features 88 sites, picnic areas, and bike-friendly paths that spark a spirit of exploration. Spend a  weekend camping at this Riverside County park and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, big beautiful trees, and the company of lots of squirrels and birds. What could be dreamier than that?